A Very Murray Christmas
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 4, 2015
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 59
  3. Negative: 23 out of 59

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  1. alwayswatching
    Dec 6, 2015
    0
    I saw my first Netflix original ... oh ... wait ... I didn't because this movie was so bad I left watching in the middle and I have no plans to go back and watch the rest. Good job Netflix.
  2. Jes1310
    Dec 9, 2015
    4
    Maybe its the American tradition or I dont know... but I just dont get it. Some of the songs are quite ok, especially Jenny Lewis. The jokes are below average and in the end it is just plain boring...
  3. handjive
    Dec 26, 2015
    4
    As a big Bill Murray fan, I was psyched to see this special. Sad to say, it might have looked good on paper but in fact it mostly falls flat, as in "THUD". The guest stars are uneven and mostly they show their faces briefly and then disappear. The biggest miscalculation was an over-reliance on Murray's singing. His singing may be funny in small doses, but here he tries to carry too manyAs a big Bill Murray fan, I was psyched to see this special. Sad to say, it might have looked good on paper but in fact it mostly falls flat, as in "THUD". The guest stars are uneven and mostly they show their faces briefly and then disappear. The biggest miscalculation was an over-reliance on Murray's singing. His singing may be funny in small doses, but here he tries to carry too many numbers that go on for much too long for someone whose singing voice is marginal at best. Weirdly, the high points of the show are the numbers by Miley Cyrus, who tackles a couple of Christmas standards. She plays them straight, without any of Murray's irony. Unfortunately she does not appear until the show is nearly over and by then the damage has been done. Except for the Cyrus dream sequence, every scene was woefully under-lit, as if Coppola was going for the "seedy dive bar" atmosphere. How is that supposed to be comic? Bad choice. Major props to Paul Shaffer who gamely tickles his ivories through the entire proceedings, managing to hunker down and ignore the trainwreck that he surely knew he was part of.… Expand
  4. Trillcosbey
    Dec 13, 2015
    0
    Lets start with the fact that I really wanted this to work out, but in fact this was a complete disaster.
    It seems that the dir had some inkling to that fact and just started throwing famous faces at the wall till one sticks, unfortunately this was not worth watching.
    If you like xmas specials your better off just walking on by this one.
  5. Mitchy
    Mar 17, 2016
    3
    This movie is pretty painful to watch. I guess the good part about this movie is that it's a little bit heartwarming and Bill Murray is in it, but sadly I couldn't stand to watch if for the full length. Bill Murray looks like he's just suffering on the inside in every frame.

    It's a pretty awkward Christmas special that just feels like a celebrity circlejerk, and I only give it 3 points    This movie is pretty painful to watch. I guess the good part about this movie is that it's a little bit heartwarming and Bill Murray is in it, but sadly I couldn't stand to watch if for the full length. Bill Murray looks like he's just suffering on the inside in every frame.

    It's a pretty awkward Christmas special that just feels like a celebrity circlejerk, and I only give it 3 points because Bill Murray, and even then, it's the cliche "Bill Murray plays a rich/spoiled angry man and then develops a heart of gold" sort of story that has been done many times previously to better success.

    To make it short, it's a Netflix original. I don't think there's a good Netflix original anything other than maybe Bojak.    … Expand
  6. Mazmorrero47
    Dec 5, 2015
    3
    After a promising start, A Very Murray Christmas devolves into a bunch of pointless musical numbers with no real plot. The dialog is delivered in a comical fashion, but the jokes are virtually nonexistent. We're supposed to be amused simply because there are random celebrity cameos that hijack the show from Murray. The whole endeavor feels forced and like it tries way too hard.
    Bottom    After a promising start, A Very Murray Christmas devolves into a bunch of pointless musical numbers with no real plot. The dialog is delivered in a comical fashion, but the jokes are virtually nonexistent. We're supposed to be amused simply because there are random celebrity cameos that hijack the show from Murray. The whole endeavor feels forced and like it tries way too hard.
    Bottom line: It's an SNL skit stretched for an hour.    … Expand
  7. nlefevre
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    This is a little gem. Those who expected a slickly produced Christmas story will be disappointed. Their loss. It is loose, silly, funny, warm and moving. Most scenes play like they were shot in a single take. The scene with Chris Rock seems unrehearsed. This is not sloppy direction. This is skilled direction giving the film a loose, comfortable, spontaneous feel. It's like joining a friendThis is a little gem. Those who expected a slickly produced Christmas story will be disappointed. Their loss. It is loose, silly, funny, warm and moving. Most scenes play like they were shot in a single take. The scene with Chris Rock seems unrehearsed. This is not sloppy direction. This is skilled direction giving the film a loose, comfortable, spontaneous feel. It's like joining a friend for the holiday and other friends keep dropping in until, surprise, it's a great night of music and laughs. There are enough untrained voices that the viewer feels free to sing along. I did during my first viewing, Even more during my second.… Expand
  8. Knighthawk81
    Dec 9, 2015
    5
    The idea of Bill Murray starring in a Christmas special movie directed by Sophia Coppola is a good one. The execution of that collaboration, which results in "A Very Murray Christmas," isn't. For a "film" that is just 56 minutes, this was awfully slow. There were plenty of stars, and there were some good musical numbers, but what was this story? Why was this made? What were they hoping toThe idea of Bill Murray starring in a Christmas special movie directed by Sophia Coppola is a good one. The execution of that collaboration, which results in "A Very Murray Christmas," isn't. For a "film" that is just 56 minutes, this was awfully slow. There were plenty of stars, and there were some good musical numbers, but what was this story? Why was this made? What were they hoping to accomplish? These are all questions that will go unanswered.… Expand
  9. nathanbo
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    This could be one of the most self explanatory titles in cinematic history. What you get from this is a very Murray Christmas. It just oozes with with Bill Murray wit, sarcasm, and charm. The feature is not perfect and there are many things I don't really like about it that needs to be addressed. To start with I didn't think the performances were all that convincing. Bill Murray was reallyThis could be one of the most self explanatory titles in cinematic history. What you get from this is a very Murray Christmas. It just oozes with with Bill Murray wit, sarcasm, and charm. The feature is not perfect and there are many things I don't really like about it that needs to be addressed. To start with I didn't think the performances were all that convincing. Bill Murray was really great, but everyone else seemed to be lacking chemistry, which is really surprising considering it was directed by Sophia Coppola. Overall I thought her direction was not up to par. However, with this movie you get exactly what you want. Bill Murray is full of life and energy with the right amount gloominess to satisfy. I've always enjoyed the fact that Bill Murray always seems miserable unless there are people around him who are in a worse situation. The singing gets a little repetitive, but you should go into it knowing it is a variety show. I like the fact that they tried to create a narrative around the song pieces, even if the plot is a little lacking.… Expand
  10. alexbclark
    Dec 23, 2015
    7
    Do you suffer from seasonal affective disorder? I have just the Christmas special for you! With what could be considered some sort of sequel to Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray have returned to spread some sort of feeling that could be described as holiday spirit. A Very Murray Christmas is a bit sparse in the plot department and it’s more background noise than focalDo you suffer from seasonal affective disorder? I have just the Christmas special for you! With what could be considered some sort of sequel to Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray have returned to spread some sort of feeling that could be described as holiday spirit. A Very Murray Christmas is a bit sparse in the plot department and it’s more background noise than focal point. But Bill Murray’s deadpan Christmas extravaganza is still worth your some of your attention.

    Not to spoil the plot but there really isn’t one. There’s a blizzard, Bill Murray is lonely, he is supposed to do a live Christmas TV special, he doesn’t want to do it, the power goes out, he runs into a bunch of famous people, they all sing songs, Bill Murray gets drunk and wakes up in his room. Merry Christmas!

    A Very Murray Christmas isn’t going to win any awards. I doubt it’s going to become an annual tradition like How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Home Alone. But Bill Murray is a cool guy to hangout with and that’s what this special is: a hangout with Bill Murray and his famous friends. The musical numbers are chill and the vibe is mellow. If you’re looking for someone to hangout with during Christmas, you could do worse than Bill Murray.    … Expand
  11. NickLikesMovies
    Dec 4, 2015
    8
    This is so much fun. It really is just Bill Murray and his famous buddies singing and celebrating Christmas. And I loved it. Everyone is great, but the standout is actually Miley Cyrus. She comes in at the end and sings some songs and absolutely kills it. I suggest you watch "A Very Murray Christmas" on Netflix. It's a great time, especially if you're as big a Christmas fan as myself.
  12. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 24, 2017
    8
    Bill Murray's delightful Christmas special starts off by making fun of the entertainment industry a bit. The plot revolves Murray having trouble actually getting people to show up to his Christmas special due to a blizzard and a case of the bah-humbugs. It gives things a sort of meta element that's quite charming and leads to quite a few funny moments as Bill trapes around a hotel andBill Murray's delightful Christmas special starts off by making fun of the entertainment industry a bit. The plot revolves Murray having trouble actually getting people to show up to his Christmas special due to a blizzard and a case of the bah-humbugs. It gives things a sort of meta element that's quite charming and leads to quite a few funny moments as Bill trapes around a hotel and interacts with the employees and other guests trapped inside, all of whom are made up of some great cameos.

    Really though, this is a musical. Nearly everybody involved gets a chance to sing in a classic Christmas carol or song. There are quite a few surprising voices to be heard here, and the ones that aren't as desirable to listen are still used admirably as they put their all into it. Sometimes even just for comedic purposes. There's a charm and warmth to the whole thing that is perfect for the holiday season. So stick around and listen to the tunes. It's an entertaining way to get into the spirit and pass some time while waiting for Christmas morning to finally arrive.    … Expand
  13. brockcheese
    Dec 14, 2015
    7
    While this is clearly a well made special, I can't help but be bored with all of the celebrity fandom and culture they throw in just because...hey it's a christmas special.
  14. juliankennedy23
    Jan 13, 2017
    9
    I can’t quite put my finger on it. This special starts out bad, possibly purposely so, with Amy Poehler hamming it up something awful. But it grows on you with memories of Christmas’s past. By the time Murray is singing a surprising non-rapey version of Baby it’s Cold outside we are in full Christmas swing. Capped off with a blast of nostalgia for Christmas Specials past with aI can’t quite put my finger on it. This special starts out bad, possibly purposely so, with Amy Poehler hamming it up something awful. But it grows on you with memories of Christmas’s past. By the time Murray is singing a surprising non-rapey version of Baby it’s Cold outside we are in full Christmas swing. Capped off with a blast of nostalgia for Christmas Specials past with a surprisingly talented Miley Cyrus and a ridiculously charming George Clooney.

    This has been my go to Christmas special the last two years and I see no reason not to continue that tradition again next year.    … Expand
  15. RealAngryDave
    Dec 14, 2015
    0
    Cringe worthy at best. I don't know how high some of these other reviewers were, but I was so disappointed. I was hoping for a good old fashioned Christmas Special. It was slow. It was stupid. It was poorly written. It was sad. I can't tell you how bad this sucked for me. My wife and sister-in-law bailed after 10 minutes. I hung in for another 10, before skipping ahead to the dreamCringe worthy at best. I don't know how high some of these other reviewers were, but I was so disappointed. I was hoping for a good old fashioned Christmas Special. It was slow. It was stupid. It was poorly written. It was sad. I can't tell you how bad this sucked for me. My wife and sister-in-law bailed after 10 minutes. I hung in for another 10, before skipping ahead to the dream sequence. Big fail for me.… Expand
  16. Noel2015
    Dec 14, 2015
    0
    Thankfully, technology (the fast-forward button) offered relief while I unsuccessfully searched for anything of value. How this is rated an average of 5.6 is a mystery!
  17. LordMichael
    Dec 28, 2015
    0
    OMG this was horrible! I like Chris Rock, I like Bill Murray, I hate this show. it was a one-take no re-take horror show of bad scripting, bad acting, holy-c who came up with the plot POS. Why Why Why did they continue filming? HTH did they get big names to do this?
  18. ahmedaiman1999
    Apr 30, 2019
    5
    It wasn't expecting anything exceptional. I just wanted to enjoy witnessing the developing of its quite simple premise that the first act laid, which I surprisingly enjoyed a great deal. Instead, I found the second act to be quite dull, except for a couple of musical numbers. As for the rest of the movie, I'd rather not to call it "a third act", for what I've seen is just one lame andIt wasn't expecting anything exceptional. I just wanted to enjoy witnessing the developing of its quite simple premise that the first act laid, which I surprisingly enjoyed a great deal. Instead, I found the second act to be quite dull, except for a couple of musical numbers. As for the rest of the movie, I'd rather not to call it "a third act", for what I've seen is just one lame and cringe-inducing music video after another.

    (5.5/10)    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

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#77 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
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#89 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Dec 11, 2015
    58
    The show certainly has plenty of diverse star power--Chris Rock, Amy Poehler and Michael Cera also appear along the way--but its shaggy approach wears thin until Cyrus shows up. Then again, save the best gift for last.
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  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Dec 11, 2015
    60
    A Very Murray Christmas is ruminating over its own mingled loneliness and disillusionment and occasional flights of whimsy; mostly, it’s busy laughing at its own jokes.
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  3. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Matthew Berlyant
    Dec 8, 2015
    70
    All in all, while not an absolutely great Christmas special since it struggles to find its footing at times plot-wise, it's worth watching for the celebrity cameos and the raucous and at times hilarious singing.
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